Go Ahead, Make My Boycott

Advice to those advocating a boycott of Israel: be consistent and boycott everything that comes from the tiny Jewish state. This will make your life much more…interesting.

In December 2013, the American Studies Association jumped on the “I wanna be politically correct and boycott Israel, too!” bandwagon and voted to shun any involvement with Israeli universities, claiming denial of human and academic rights to Palestinians. With their announcement, this previously obscure and odious little group gained instant notoriety.

Why let facts get in the way when bathing in a soup of fabulously ignorant self-righteousness?

This “me-too!” anti-Israel virus is really getting tiresome, and clearly the so-called “academics” calling for the boycotts are slacking off on their studies. Perhaps if they bone up on some reading material other than leftist anti-Israel screeds they might stumble onto the information – readily available – that in “apartheid” Israel, Mais Ali-Salehm a female Muslim, was valedictorian in the most recent graduating class of the medical school of the Technion, Israel’s equivalent of MIT. They might have learned that a black Ethiopian immigrant named Yiyish Aynaw is the current Miss Israel. They might have discovered that a Druze, Colonel Rassan Alian, is currently the commander of the elite Golani Brigade of the IDF. They might have learned that Salim Joubran, a Palestinian, is a member of the Israeli Supreme Court. But why let facts get in the way when you are bathing in a soup of fabulously ignorant self-righteousness?

The ASA now joins their dirty hands with the Association for Asian American Studies (AAAS), which announced its boycott of Israel last April. And of course there is the endless parade of other boycotts among celebrities, those paragons of knowledge and sophistication, and various other groups, against Israeli sporting events, performers, and products.

I say to all these boycotters: Go ahead, make our day. Just be consistent and boycott everything that comes from the tiny Jewish state. This promises to make the next conference of the ASA or the AAAS a tad more challenging when they discuss such pressing academic topics as Tattoos in American Popular Culture (Pitzer College), Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame, (University of South Carolina), Zombies in Popular Media (Columbia College, Chicago)and The Textual Appeal of Tupac Shakur (University of Washington).

Here’s a handy tip sheet for the next conference attendees:

Bring plenty of pens, pencils and notebooks – the old fashioned kind. No lap top computers and no cell phones allowed. After all, the Intel microchip processor, network firewalls, Microsoft NT and XP, keyboards for smart phones, flash drives, the ability to print straight from a computer, and much of cell phone technology were all developed by the Zionist entity. But look at the bright side: you won’t have to remind people to silence their cell phones during presentations of such exciting academic papers as “Class and Gender Fault Lines within the Neo-Colonial White Male Establishment in the Occupy Movement.”

Leave your environmentally friendly ideals at home. The conference planners have no choice but to meet at a hotel whose grounds are lushly and wastefully watered by hoses. Drip irrigation, you see, was pioneered in Israel.

Tomato-intolerance will be a plus. Modern breeds of disease-resistant cherry tomatoes were developed in Israel’s greenhouses. Those greenhouses have also pioneered many varieties of organic farming. Would you like a side of pesticides with that?

Bring lots of books for your free time. Anyone trying to smuggle an Amazon Kindle to the conference will have it confiscated. Its Operating System is yet another Zionist conspiracy. And don’t even think about logging onto your Facebook account from the hotel’s business center; much of the Facebook software ecosystem was developed in Tel Aviv, the Silicon Valley of the Middle East. To help you whittle down your reading choices, omit Jewish authors. Voila! Your reading options have just gone on an extreme diet.

Allow plenty of time to get to your evening entertainments after each day’s panel discussions. “Waze,” a social GPS mapping app that specializes in real-time crowd-sourced traffic, was purchased by Google from an Israeli start-up for $1.1 billion. That’s billion with a “B.” But you won’t have your smart phones with you anyway, so never mind.

As conference attendees revisit life in the 1970s, I hope they recommit to their plans to maintain their boycott of everything made in Israel. But before they vote, they might want to consider the following:

Lots of antibiotics and other medicines are made by Teva, the largest manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals in the world. Your insurance company may or may not cover more expensive name brand options. Try not to get sick anytime soon.

Zionist researchers are developing a wireless laser for dentists that promises to replace painful drilling when treating cavities. But let me be clear: If you like your dentist drill, you can keep your dentist drill!

When you get to be 50, doctors will suggest you have a not-so-fun procedure in which a small scope enters a very private place on your body. Boycotters of all-things-Israeli by all means should continue having the old-fashioned colonoscopies. The rest of us will happily swallow the PillCam, which takes pictures from inside the colon, eliminating the need for a dreaded colonoscopy. If you decide to upload these photos on Facebook, prepare to be unfriended by at least 400 people.

Cancer run in your family? Boycott Israel fans will have to wait for symptoms to arise, God forbid. Meanwhile, the early warning Na-Nose artificial nose, developed by those human rights abusers at the Technion, analyzes human breath to detect cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases, while ImMucin, a vaccine now in clinical trials and made by an Israeli medical research company, shows promise in one day controlling cancer and tuberculosis. Like I said, try not to get sick.

If you were impressed by Google glass, wait till you get a load of this. The Israeli-created OrCam is selling out as fast as it can be manufactured because for the partially sighted, the device reads, identifies objects, personal products and money notes, with an intuitive user interface. Soon, it will be able torecognize faces and places, locate bus numbers and monitor traffic lights. Coming soon: a bionic eye that might reverse blindness.

Speaking of vision problems, it’s understandable that Israeli innovators are first tackling the problems of physical blindness. Research into the causes and cures for moral blindness are ongoing. I have every confidence that Israeli-based solutions are in the pipeline!

Visitor Comments: 18

I am a boycotter too, but, I boycott anti-semetites and Islamist terrorism the only way I can

Years ago my husband and I realized that we could make our mark in a very tiny way by buying Israeli, helping our Jewish friends in Israel in many ways by our support and also by not supporting those who hate Jews and make their small minded decisions to boycott Jews and Israel so we boycott them. Just like we do not buy or support countries who support Islamist terrorism in any way which includes not buying from countries who burn non-muslims and their places of worship. If we can't buy something we want we do without and will do so until those countries stop senseless killing of non-muslims and the senseless abuse of Israel and the Jews. As crazy as it sounds we are trying to make our decisions count so even in our tithing we try to help those who are so violated by the senseless terrorism and that includes helping Israel who suffers terrorism daily. I appreciated this article because it was so simply dead on correct. I am only sorry that so much misplaced hatred in the world today makes it necessary to take responsibility in these ways. I am so sick of anti-semitism that we have found ourselves rebuking and correcting it these many years as if it was our right arm because it never ends and most people are so thoughtless and ignorant when they spew their hate that make it necessary to tell them of their ignorance. Usually they don't know what they are talking about which leaves one feeling empty and sad...ahhh well, what else is new?

(14)
Juana Medina,
January 28, 2014 5:44 AM

Boycott Israel and you will be sorry.

In Genesis 12:3 GOD tells us that "I will bless those who bless you and will curse those who curse you." He was speaking to the nation of Israel. When you come against the nation of Israel, GOD will come against you! Believe me, you do not want that!

(13)
MESA,
January 24, 2014 7:45 PM

Many years ago, I read an article (I believe the author was Sam Levenson) about the medical discoveries made by Jews, and it warned anti-semites to be consistent and not use things like insulin for diabetes, hepatitis vaccines, polio vaccines, and a bunch of other things. It told the anti-semites to be consistent, but it also warned them, "you ain't gonna feel so good."

(12)
scott,
January 24, 2014 10:02 AM

Focus on Liking Each Other not Others Liking Us.

I was sitting in a restaurant in Northern California having a drink and talking to the guy next to me. When he learned I was from Israel he made the same comments I hear everywhere about Jews...we're all rich and control the media and the world and the banks and all that. He wasn't a knuckle dragging racist, he was speaking of these things admiringly. As if the Protocols of the Elders of Zion was a Ayn Randish story of victory for the Jewish people. As Jews we should be proud of our world domination.

We're not all rich-the guy who is begging on my corner is Jewish. We don't control the media-if we did the narrative on Israel would be much different. And seriously... if any of you control the banks...I could use a loan.

Conversation after conversation on my 3 month exile to the US taught me that little real progress has been made since the days of pogroms. What people think of us is the the same, it's just that society has changed to the point where in most places they don't have overt pogroms against anyone. It's not that they like or accept us any more than in the past, we just benefit from the general increase in common decency toward all unpopular groups.

I like this article. I'll show it to my daughter as an illustration of the great things that Jews do in the world. It will make her proud. And that's not nothing.

But if you think that this kind of stuff is going to make the boycotters change their mind you're living in a dream world. They are bigots and antisemites just like the nice man I had a beer with. And no amount of reason will get them on our side.

We should spend our time and energy focusing on making Israel a better place. Break up the cartels that make our food cheaper in the US than it is in Israel. Stop being proud of being rude to one another as if the eleventh commandment was "And you should never let anyone in front of you while driving." Etc.

(11)
Miriam,
January 23, 2014 10:24 AM

Judy, I love you!

This article is awesome! And I looooove the humor in it! Fabulous!

(10)
Maurice Skikne,
January 22, 2014 6:23 PM

The anti Israel Body

Please DO NOT waste your time attempting to explain how Israel is allowing people of colour/or Bedouin origin are appointed. You are butting your heads against a wall! Rather tell these pigs to go to Hell. They are Trash. You cannot convince them! They trump up all sorts of Lies about Israel!You cannot appeal to their good senses. They DO NOT OWN suchCharacters. They are so much Rubbish!!!!

(9)
Leah B,
January 22, 2014 6:12 AM

Deprive the boycotters

There must be a way of depriving the boycotters and other enemies of Israel from benefitting from Israeli discoveries. Is there a way of withholding these amazing riches so that they can actually feel its lack. In other words let the boycotters suffer the consequences of their dastardly plots to destroy Israel. Of course the knowledge and discoveries are already out there. I am dreaming of course and feel revengeful that Israel gives so much to the world and gets back so little applaud, in fact the opposite.

(8)
fred,
January 21, 2014 11:53 PM

The world has not come to terms with Israel & the Jews in generals. After all the persecutions & murders the world thought it broke the spirit & life that is Israel. Verily out of the ashes like a Phoenix Israel rose again with a strong belief in the Allmighty and a uplifted spirit as it shares its benefits with the false world. Am Israel Chai..

(7)
nishant verma,
January 21, 2014 6:34 PM

The greatest gift from Israel

In addition to the endless list of inventions by jews that have made the world and keep making the world a better place..the greatest gift given to mankind from Israel is THE WORD OF GOD - BIBLEdoes anything else need be said???shalom and peace be upon jerusalem (eternal capital of Israel)

(6)
Jenny B.,
January 20, 2014 6:46 PM

Jealousy - that's the point

Imagine how many Nobel prices were given to Jews all over the world. And since the jealousy and the hate is the main problem with people who canno't accept it, the facts are that when one can not give a right answer why is so much hate, I can say, the jealousy is coming out from their mouth, no more and no less. There is also an essay; "the dogs are barking and the convoy is passing".

Evelyn,
January 21, 2014 6:04 PM

I think you meant Prizes nor prices, there is a big difference

My Hebrew name is Devora Ruth. I am a convert to Judaism , female and I wear a kippa everywhere. I am comfortable in it. Sometimes, I get questions. That's OK with me. Gives me the opportunity to explain that I am Jewish. .

(5)
R,
January 20, 2014 2:16 PM

This misses the point

Articles that point out all the wonderful things that come from Israel or that were invented by Jews or by Israelis may feel good to write and to read, and it is certainly important to get the word out, but these articles completely miss the point. If someone supports the so-called BDS movement because he is a vicious anti-Semite or a naïve fool (a "useful idiot" in the phrase misattributed to Lenin), he is not going to pay any attention to an article like this because his goal is to hurt Israel, not himself, and because he is not motivated by principles. More effort needs to be expended combatting BDS in more direct ways.

(4)
Jewish Mom,
January 20, 2014 12:51 PM

Here's Sam Levenson's piece

"It's a free world. You don’t have to like Jews, but if you don’t, I suggest that you boycott certain Jewish products like insulin, discovered by Dr. Minkoski; the vaccine for hepatitis, discovered by Baruch Blumberg; chlorhydrate for convulsions, discovered by Dr. J. Von Liebig; the Wassermann test for syphilis; streptomycin, discovered by Dr. Selman Abraham Waxman; the polio pill by Dr. Albert Sabin; and the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk."

"Good! Boycott! But humanitarianism requires that my people offer all these gifts to all the people of the world. Fanaticism requires that all bigots accept diabetes, hepatitis, convulsions, syphilis, infectious diseases and infantile paralysis.""You want to be mad? Be mad! But I’m telling you, you ain’t going to feel so good."

Lynne,
January 22, 2014 1:10 AM

Waksman, not Waxman

Selman Waksman was the "father of antibiotics." He came to the States because, as a Jew, he wasn't accepted by a Ukrainian university. He made the cover of TIME magazine on Nov. 7, 1949.

(3)
G. Berry,
January 20, 2014 12:35 AM

The list is endless...

Don't forget the ReWalk, an Israeli invention that allows paraplegics to walk again. Here's a great list of other Israeli inventions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Israeli_inventions_and_discoveries

(2)
Nancy,
January 19, 2014 10:11 PM

Hi--I posted here earlier. The essay to which I am referring is called Sam Levenson's answer to an Anti-Semite. It is as profound as what you have written here. (In my previous post I had spelled his last name wrong).

(1)
Nancy,
January 19, 2014 10:00 PM

Yasher Koach!! Have you ever heard of the humorist Sam Levinson? I suspect he may have been popular well before our time. The reason I am familiar with him is because I once read a brilliant essay he wrote about anti-Semitism. The sentiment is very similar to what you have written here.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
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